Our Definition

The Tower Foundation has adopted the definition of mental illness used by the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

Medical conditions
that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others,
and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental
illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for
coping with the ordinary demands of life. Serious mental illnesses include
major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
borderline personality disorder.

Our Funding Goals

For our Mental Health category, we have identified five key goals:

Stigma related to mental illness is eliminated.

Children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges are
identified early and connected to appropriate services.

Young people with mental health challenges understand and manage their
conditions and behaviors.

Families understand mental health challenges and help members live
productive lives.

Communities offer meaningful opportunities and appropriate support to
young people with mental health challenges and their families.

Preferred Strategies

While open to creative approaches, some preferred strategies for supporting our goals include:

Screening and Assessment

Community-Based Education and Supports
- Community and Professional Education
- Family Supports